Cosmetic Outcome of Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy-An Overlooked Aspect

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty (CP) is an obligatory surgery after decompressive craniectomy (DC). The primary objective is to protect the brain from external injury and prevent syndrome of trephined. In a government hospital, such cases pose a significant burden to a trauma center. Because of this reason, cosmetic outcome is never taken into account for the CP. We present results of CP performed at our hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the cases of CP performed over the past 3 years at our hospital. The cosmetic outcome was divided into 3 grades: 1-good symmetrical, 2-irregularities, 2a-elevated and 2b depressed, and 3-bad cosmetic outcome requiring reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients with acute brain injury underwent CP during the study period. The outcome was good in 74 (55.6%) and bad, requiring reoperation, in 2 (1.5%) cases. Various types of the CP materials like autologous bone flap, titanium mesh, and customized titanium plates were used. Methods of fixation were threads or miniplates and screws. In univariate analysis, cerebral venous thrombosis as an indication for DC, use of autologous bone flap, and fixation with thread were associated with poor outcome. However, in multivariate analysis only the method of implant fixation was associated with poor outcome. It was found that if screws and plates are used for fixation of bone flap, the chances of bad outcome are reduced by 74.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The cosmetic outcome is overlooked for CP. The bone flap fixation has to be rigid for a good outcome.